Electrical apparatus



Patented Apr. 16, i935 ELECTRICAL APPARATUS Charles W. Wyman, Claremont, N. H., assignor to Sullivan Machinery Company, a corporation of Massachusetts Application February 1, 1932, Serial No. 590,070

14 Claims.

This invention relates to electrical apparatus, and more particularly to electrical controlling apparatus for the electric motors of mining machinery.

In certain improved forms of electrially driven mining machinery, it is customary to arrange upon the mechanism actually at the working face only devices at which the breaking of circuits carrying large currents is precluded, and 10 to arrange either at a truck removed a material distance from the face, or even back in the entry, controlling apparatus where the main circuits carrying current are closed and opened.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved electrical controlling apparatus of the general character set forth. It is another object of my invention to provide an improved automatic pilot controlled motor starting mechanism of general application. It is a further object of my invention to provide improved electrical controlling apparatus having detachable connections including a separable connector plug and having automatic means for preventing separation of the parts of the connector plug and resultant breaking of live circuits whenever current is being applied to the controlling mechanism and also operative to prevent insertion of the connector plug to circuit establishing position when the controlling devices are connected to the line. Other objects and advantages of the invention will subsequently appear.

In the accompanying drawing, in which for purposes of illustration one illustrative embodinent of the invention is shown,-

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic layout of a controlling system in which the illustrative embodiment of the invention is incorporated;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view through a connector plug and automatically controlled locking means therefor forming a part of the illustrative embodiment, and

Fig. 3 is a transverse section on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Referring iirst briefly to Fig. 1, it will be observed that the dotted rectangle II) represents a mining machine of the coal cutter type. The dotted rectangle II represents a control mechanism, which is preferably arranged in a control box or the like at a point remote from the point of operation of the machine. The four conductors indicated at I2 are two power conductors and two pilot wires, the latter shown in light lines; these several conductors being arranged in a cable extending between the box II and the designated I6. A pilot switch Il, herein shown as of the push button type and located at the machine, controls circuits and apparatus later described, through which current supply to the motor is governed. A second pilot switch, later described, is located at the control apparatus l5 II, whereby control from either location is possible. Obviously, mechanism of the character shown in my co-pending application Serial No. 538,810 may be used, if desired, in place of a manually operated push button and separately 2O operable reverse mechanism, whereby reversal of the motor is precluded except when the pilot circuit is open, and opening of the pilot circuit is precluded by a regenerative current when the motor is rotating in excess of a predetermined speed.

The four wires of the cable I2 are connected at their ends remote from the mining machine I0 within a separable connector plug 20 which carries herein four elastic socket elements 2 l, 22, 30 23 and 24, which are adapted to cooperate with four finger members 25, 26, 2'I and 28 forming portions of circuits arranged within the control box I I. The connector plug is, as a whole, housed within a metallic casing 30, and the removable portion 20 of the connector plug is provided with a plurality of locking sockets, of which but one is shown. One of these sockets is adapted to cooperate with a manually releasable locking member whose outer end is shown at 3| in Fig. 3. An- 40 other socket 32 is arranged in alinement with a reciprocable plunger 33 which carries at its outer end an armature 34. A spring 35 normally maintains the plunger 33 in retracted position, but a coil 36 upon energization causes movement of the 45 armature 34 and plunger 33 to the left in Fig. 2,

into locking engagement with the recess 32. It will be noted that one of the socket members and one of the finger members are larger than the other three, so that the plug can be connected vonly in such a manner as to bring the socket 32 into alinement with the plunger 33 and to assure the proper electrical connections.

As will shortly be more fully explained, the coil 36 is connected in such relation to the con- 55 trol mechanism that the supply of current to the control mechanism involves immediate energization of the coil. Obviously, from the description given, the connection between the mining machine lll and the control box H cannot be interrupted when the mechanism within the box il -is connected to a source of current, and in the event that during the time that the cable i2 is disconnected from the control box, a supply of current to the controlling mechanism should be established, reconnection at the plug would be prevented so long as the current supply was maintained. Thus a very safe arrangement is provided.

It should be noted that at 39 and L35 power lines, which may, for example, be lines connected with the trolley wire and the track rail in amine entry, are shown; and a main line switch Si is also provided to control the connection of the power lines with the apparatus within the control box H.

Forclarity of description, the same reference character will be employed to designate the same conductor throughout its length, notwithstanding the fact that four of the conductors may be broken at the connector plug 2G. It will be noted that the main supply wire lll is connectible on closure of the main line switch di with a com ductor d5 in the control box li, and that this conductor is connectible by a contactor i5 with a second conductor il leading to the motor i3. It will be noted that the supply wire 39, when the switch li is closed, is connected to a conductor i8 leading into the control box. From the conductor i8 a conductor 5@ leads to a series coil 5i, which is connected by a conductor 52 to a starting resistance 53 and also to a parallel circuit including a conductor 56, a contactor 55, and conductor 55; the conductor 56 being connected, as is the end of theresistor 53, to a conductor 5l, which is adapted to be connected through a con tactor 58 with a conductor 59. The conductor 59 leads to an overload coil 65, which is connected in turn to a conductor 5i also leading to the motor i3. The locking coil 35 is connected through fuses 53, @l between the conductors i5 and t8, so` that at any time when the main line switch li is closed, the interlock coil 35 will be energized. The pilot circuit controlling the mechanism ii includes a push button il, previously referred to, controlling the connection of a pilot wire 65, which is connected with the conductor i8 through the fuse 53, with a second pilot wire G6 leading from the mining machine to the control mechanism il. In order to permit immediate stopping of the motor, or starting of the latter, from the control mechanism il, when pilot switch Il is closed, a second push button device 57 is arranged at the control box and controls the connection of the pilot wire 55 with a conductor 68. The wire 58 is connected to a number of diierent circuits, and these may be separately described.

From the wire 5B a conductor 59 leads to an overload lockout coil T15, which is connected to a conductor li, a resistance 'i2 and another conductor i3, and by the fuse 515, with the conductor d5. This lockout coil lacks the requisite power to operate the overload switch mechanism .but will hold the switch mechanism in the position to which it is actuated as a result of the occurrence of an overload. The overload coil 5@ has associated with it an armature l5, and the overload lockout coil l@ has associated with it an armature e158 (these might obviously be the same rooaoeo armature, depending upon the construction of the mechanism), and the two armatures herein shown are connected to an overload switchl5, which controls the connection of a conductor ll connected with the conductor 58, with Aa pair of contactor operating solenoids 5@ and 8l,which are connected in parallel between a conductor 52 and a conductor 5d. The solenoid Sli supplies the power for closing the contactor 58; the solenoid 5i, the energy for closing. the contactor d5. The conductor 84 is connectible by a contact member 55, which moves with the contactor 55, with a conductor 55 connected through the fuse 513 with the conductor 65. The coil 5l operates a pair of switch elements 88 and 85, moving the switch element 58 to closed position when it is energized, and allowing the switch 89 to move to closed position when the coil is deenergized. The switch 88 controls a circuit including a conductor 95 leading from the conductors 6% and il through a neutralizing coil 9i, and then through the switch 38 to a conductor 92, which is connected through a resistance 93 and the fuse 55 with the conductor 15. The switch member 89 controls the connection of a conductor 95 connected with the conductors 7l, 58, etc., and leading to an actuating coil 96, with the conductor 52, resistance 93, fuse 6d and conductor 35. A conductor 97 leads from the conductor 85 to the switch device 88 and permits connection through the latter with the conductor 92. The construction of the solenoids 9i and 96 may take various forms. They are herein shown as controlling separate armatures 58 and 98a and as being spaced. They may, obviously, cooperate with the same armature or plunger and be concentric as well as coaxial. The function of the coil Si is to neutralize the residual magnetism of the coil 96 after the latter has been deenergized.

The mode of operation of this mechanism will be very readily understood. Let it be assumed that the connector plug 20 is in position to establish connection of all the four wires within the cable i2 with the apparatus in the controlling mechanism H. Closure of the main line switch li will close a circuit including line 39, main line switch di, conductor '38, fuse 53, coil 35, fuse Bil, conductor 35, main line switch iii, and line d. Thereafter, until the main line switch is opened, withdrawal of the connector plug 2D will be an impossibility, except, of course, in the event of the complete failure of line current. After the adjustment of the reverse switch i6 to secure the desired direction of rotation of the motor i3, the pilot switches El and 6l may be closed in the sequence which is more convenient for the machine runner. Closure of both of these switches will establish a circuit from line 39, main line switch ll, conductor Q8, fuse 53, conductor 55, switch il, conductor 55, switch 5l, conductor 53, conductor il, conductor 95, coil 55, switch 89, conductor 92, 'resistance 53,

:fuse 56, conductor d5, main line switch 5i, to the line du. This will cause immediate opening of the resistance controlling contactor 55 s o that any current supplied to the motor initially will have to pass through the resistance 53. Simultaneously with the opening' of contactor 55, the switch 55 will be closed, and a circuit will then be established from the line 35 through the wire 55, push button il, conductor 56, push button 5l, conductor 58, conductor ll, normally closed overload switch l5, conductor 52, coils 5@ and 3i in parallel, conductor 56, switch 85, conductor 55, fuse 5G, and conductor 65, to the main line switch 4| and line 40. Energization of the coils 80 and 8| will close the two contactors 58 and 46, and the motor will then be connected with the source of power through the resistance 53, through a circuit including conductor 48, conductor 5D, series coil 5|, conductor 52, resistor 53, conductor 5l, contacter 58, conductor 59, overload coil 60, conductor 6|, the motor |3, conductor 41, contactor 46, and conductor 45. As soon as current is supplied to the motor, the series coil 5| will be energized, and as a result the switch 89 will be opened and switch 88 will be closed. This will result in the immediate interruption of current supply to the coil 96, and will establish a parallel circuit to that through which coil 96 was energized, through the coil 9|; this circuit including as the new portions thereof conductor 90, coil 9|, and switch 88. Coil 9| is so designed as to neutralize the residual magnetism remaining after deenergization of the coil 96, at the end of a predetermined desired time after starting the motor; and at the end of that time the contactor will close, establishing a connection through the conductor 54, contactor 55, and conductor 56 in parallel with the resistor 53, and thus placing the motor on the line. Upon closure of contactor 55, switch 85 is opened, but in view of the fact that switch 88 has been closed prior to the opening of switch 85, the coils 8U and 8| will not be deenergized, being instead connected by conductors 84 and 9'| and closed switch 88, with the conductor 92, resistance 93, fuse 64 and conductor 45.

Obviously, if there is an excessive overload, the switch 1B will open, deenergizing coils 88 and 8| and breaking the circuit at both sides of the motor, at the contactors 58 and 46; and by reason of the arrangement of the lockout coil 10, opening of the pilot circuit will be necessary before the motor can be re-started. Any time the series coil 5I is deenergized, the switch 88 will open and the switch 89 close, with the result that the contactor 55 will open; and therefore during trolleying the motor controlling devices will always operate to connect the motor initially to the line only through the starting resistance 53.

From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that this invention insures initial connection of the motor with the power lines through resistance; that it insures against breaking live circuits by accidental or deliberate withdrawal of the connector plug 20; that it prevents insertion of the plug with the main line switch 4| closed; that it permits starting or stopping of the motor from either the machine I0 or the control mechanism and that a very safe, simple and convenient controlling mechanism is provided.

While I have in this application specically described one form which my invention may assume in practice, it will be understood that this form is shown for purposes of illustration and that the invention may be modied and embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In combination, power lines, a motor, controlling apparatus for said motor relative to which said motor is bodily movable, and which includes the devices for directly establishing motor current supply and for interrupting the same, means for establishing connection between said power lines and said controlling apparatus,

detachable means for establishing connection between said motor and said controlling apparatus, and means for preventing separation of said detachable connection when said controlling apparatus is connected to the power lines operative only when said power lines are alive.

2. In combination, power lines, a motor, controlling apparatus for said motor relative to which said motor is bodily movable, and which includes the devices for directly establishing motor current supply and for interrupting the same, means for establishing connection between said power lines and said controlling apparatus, detachable means :for establishing connection between said motor and said controlling apparatus, and means for preventing separation of said detachable connection when said controlling apparatus is connected to the power lines, including an electrically operated locking device energized upon establishment of connection between the power lines and the controlling apparatus.

3. In combination, power lines, a motor, controlling apparatus for said motor relative to which said motor is bodily movable, and which includes the devices for directly establishing motor current supply and for interrupting the same, means for establishing connection between said power lines and said controlling apparatus, detachable means for establishing connection between said motor and said controlling apparatus,

and locking means for preventing separation of said detachable connection held immovable in full locking position whenever there is current flow between said power lines through conducting means in said controlling apparatus.

4. In combination, power lines, a motor, controlling apparatus for said motor relative to which said motor is bodily movable, and which includes the devices for directly establishing motor current supply and for interrupting the same, means for establishing connection between said power lines and said controlling apparatus, detachable means for establishing connection between said motor and said controlling apparatus, and locking means for preventing separation of said detachable connection electro-magnetically held immovable in full locking position whenever there is current ow between said power lines through conducting means in said controlling apparatus.

5. In an electrical apparatus, a source of power,

a motor, a resistance, means operative to connect said motor through said resistance with said power lines, and means for connecting said motor directly with the power lines including a contactor device closable to effect such connection, means for effecting opening of said contactor device prior to the supply of current to said motor, and means for eiecting closure of said contactor device after the motor has come up to speed including a neutralizing coil having a control switch provided with an actuating coil in the motor circuit.

6. In an electrical apparatus, power lines, a motor, a resistance, an overload coil, a series coil, means including conductors and contactors one between each power line and the motor for connecting the motor in series with the resistance, overload coil and series coil across the power lines, and means controlled by said series coil for connecting the motor with the power lines in a circuit which shunts the resistance while maintaining said series coil in the circuit.

7. In an electrical apparatus, a source of power, a motor, a resistance, means including contacter devices respectively controlling connection of opposite sides of said motor with the source of power and operative to connect said motor through said resistance with said power lines, and means for connecting said motor directly with the power lines including a contactor device closable to effect such connection, means for eiecting opening of said contactor device prior to the supply of. current to said motor, and means for ef- Iecting closure of said contactor device after the motor has c ome up to speed including a neutralizing coil having a control switch provided with an actuating coil in the motor circuit.

8. In an electrical apparatus, a source of power, a motor, a resistance, means operative to connect said motor through the resistance with the power lines, and means for connecting the motor directly with the power lines including a contactor device closable to effect such connection, electromagnetic means for eecting opening of said contactor device prior to the supply of current to the motor, and means for effecting closure of said contactor device after the motor has come up to speed including a neutralizing coil having a control switch provided with an actuating coil in the motor circuit, said electromagnetic means having a controlling switch movable with the control switch for said neutralizing coil.

9. In an electrical apparatus, a source of power, a motor, a resistance, means including electromagnetically operated contactors respectively controlling connection of different sides of the motor to the source of power for connecting the motor through the resistance with the power lines, and means for connecting the motor directly with the power lines including a contactor device closable to eiect such connection, means for eiecting opening of said contactor device prior to the supply of current to the motor, switch means movable with said contactor device to control operation of said electromagnetically operated contactors, means for effecting closure of said contactor device after the motor has come up to speed including switch means provided with an actuating coil in the motor circuit, and means whereby said electromagnetically operated contactors are maintained closed, despite closure of said contactor device, including an electrical connection controlled by said last mentioned switch means.

10. In an electrical apparatus, power lines, a motor, a resistance, and an overload coil, a series coil, means including conductors and contactors, one of the latter between each power line and the motor, for connecting the motor in series 'with the resistance, overload coil, and series coil across the power lines, whereby said series coil is traversed by the full motor current, and means including a switch closed by magnetomotive force produced by said series coil for connecting the motor with the power lines in a circuit which shunts the resistance.

1l. In an electrical apparatus, a source of power, a controlling apparatus, a spaced motor adapted to be moved bodily during operation relative to the controlling apparatus, electrical operating means for connecting the motor through the controlling apparatus with the power source including a pilot circuit whose energi- Zation eiects an initial starting and a diierent full load running connection of said motor withthe source of power, said pilot circuit having separate controlling devices respectively at the motor and at the controlling apparatus and each operable, when the other is closed, to effect, at a time when the motor is not running, starting thereof, and at a time when the motor is running normally at full load, stopping thereof.

l2. In an electrical apparatus, a source of power, a controlling. apparatus, a spaced motor adapted to be movedbodily during' operation relative to the controlling apparatus, electrical operating means for connecting the motor through the controlling apparatus with the power source including a pilot circuit Whose energization eiects first connection of the motor with the source of power through a resistance and automatically thereafter connection with the source of power independently of said resistance, said pilot circuit having separate controlling devices respectively at the motor and at the controlling apparatus and each operable, when the other is closed, to eiect, at a time when the motor is not running, starting thereof, and at a time when the motor is running, stopping thereof.

13. In an electrical apparatus, a source of power, a controlling apparatus, a spaced motor adapted to be moved bodily during operation relative to the controlling apparatus, electrical operating means for connecting the motor through the controlling apparatus with the power source including a pilot circuit having separate controlling devices arranged in series therein and respectively at the motor and at the controlling apparatus and each operable, when the other is closed, to effect, at a time when the motor is not running, starting thereof, and at a time when the motor is running, stopping thereof.

14. In an electrical apparatus, a source of power, a motor, and controlling apparatus including a plurality of conductors for connecting the motor with the power lines, independent contactor devices remote from said motor and relative to which said motor is bodily movable during operation for controlling each of said conductors, and contactor means controllable to effect different starting and full load running connections between the motor and the power lines, and a common pilot control for said contactor devices and means including a pilot switch at and movable with said motor.

CHARLES W. WYMAN. 

